Friday, May 30, 2008
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The Time Is Now!
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Call
Steve Smith (Organizer) IBEW New England:
978.302.3690
Jenn Nappi (Organizer) IBEW 2327, Augusta ME: 207.623.2901
www.IBEW.org
Ask questions, give your opinion, ask how you can help, commit to supporting the union, tell us your ideas, just chat:
Call
Steve Smith (Organizer) IBEW New England:
978.302.3690
Jenn Nappi (Organizer) IBEW 2327, Augusta ME: 207.623.2901
www.IBEW.org
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591 comments:
1 – 200 of 591 Newer› Newest»The Time has come!
Time for what?
The time has really come for this company to listen to us. Now that Timewarner has bought all the Adelphia properties in this area, we now have a lot more unhappy workers to stand behind us. We need to all stand together and we will see a better future become of this. Just ask my friends from fairpoint how they like their job, pay and benefits.
http://www.comcastworkersunited.com/
We are not the only ones going through this..
do want to end being the some of the lowest paid in the industry?
do you want to end being responsible for repeats beyond your control?
do you want to end unreasonable workloads?
do you want to bring safety practices to a dangerous job?
would you like to retire some day with a pension so you could enjoy your retirement?
would you like a voice in your workplace?
would you like to get the respect you deserve?
if we stand together we will have an opportunity to work towards all these things.
The Time for change has come!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiA8V248WMM
TOP 10 UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
#1. Your employer has no right to cause interference with the employee's right to decide whether or not they wish to have a union representing them.
#2. An employer can not interfere with the unions internal affairs. In general an employer should remain neutral during any organizing campaign.
#3. Meetings with the employee's as a captive audience, cannot be used by their employer as a forum or opportunity to criticize the union.
#4. An employer interferes with the affairs of a trade union when it prohibits the wearing of union pins in the work place.
#5. An employer initiating petition for employees to withdraw their support of a union is also deemed as interference and not allowed.
#6. Any employers communications with employees must concern business affairs and not unionization.
#7. Comments like "the employees would be better off without a union" amounts to interference and is not allowed under the law.
#8. An employer cannot issue a bulletin to employees that sends an implicit message that employees can obtain a wage increase without a union.
#9. An employer cannot say:
a) union representation will not benefit the employees
b) employees may speak about the subject with employer
representatives
c) there will be serious consequences for the company if you go
union
#10. An employer who promises that conditions would improve if they did not unionize would be conducting an unfair labor practice. An employer must remain neutral during an organizing campaign.
What about a Union promising things will improve if they unionize? How could you know that?
Do you think anything will ever improve without one. Over many years served to this company, nothing has ever changed, only got worse. Unions wont change anything overnight, but its a start to addressing our problems. Unions arent for every company, but now we have some numbers with the all the offices combined. Look at CMP or Fairpoint/Verizon. Do you think they like their unions with their good beneift and awesome pay. You make so much less than the phone company employees, why ? we do phone too. And Timewarner loves to pay us like cable guys..Many of us think its time for a change.
This is a new age. I work for Comcast, the beggest cable company in the country. I did not begin my career in cable with this cheap greedy company, i started with medis-one. Let me tell you the bigger these companies get the worse they get. We had a pension until Comcast came to town, this was there first order of business..bye bye pension. and over the years the bigger this company has gotten the more they take. Comcast is making profits hand over fist, and yet every year we lose a little more. Stop beleiving these anti-union idiots who say we will get nothing with a union, because its a lie. Lets stand united, we here at comcast are signing the cards, more so than i've ever seen before. Organizing the whole cable industry will benefit all of us, driving up pay rates and benefits. Don't be a fool sign the cards as we are doing, lets get this union push going. It's the only way we will have a chance in these ever expanding big companies who do nothing more than take from the hard working employees. I feel your pain. The brown nosers and management are watching us and reporting everything we do. We are trying to be secretive about it. Try and do the same get the cards signed and lets finaly raise the standard of living for cable workers accross the country...
I hope that you unhappy guys are a minority.If things are so bad in the cable industry why did you choose to work here?I think the unions are full of crap!!!
We chose to work in the cable industry before these corporate takeovers. The bigger the companies grew the worse it became. again i started in Media-One. this was a smaller company that gave its workers some respect. The bigger the company gets the worse it gets.
VOTE IN THE UNION.. WE NEED IT FOR A BETTER FUTURE
the union promises only one thing;
the opportunity to bring about change. if you do nothing nothing will change
If you do nothing the Company will just take at will, they do not care about anyone except for there bottom line. Look at the other companies on the pole with union representation all have much better wages and benefits.
"Look at the other companies on the pole with union representation all have much better wages and benefits."
Except for the locations that are working to do away with the union.
I can see you have a slow start. This is great place to get your points accross. Alot of helpful post on the comcast blogspot.
http://www.comcastworkersfightback.blogspot.com/
check it out, we all have the same issues.
Wow...I was hoping there would be an outpouring of PISSED OFF'ED NESS here. Time Warner makes big promises, makes big profits, and keeps the money in the top 10% of the company.
To the asshat who said we should just work somewhere else...well we actually like our jobs, we're good at our jobs, and if we were making what YOU are with YOUR benefits, we'd be happy as pigs in shit.
With a Union you have to ask yourself... 1. can it possibly get any worse? 2. How hard to I have to work before I feel appreciated and compensated?
We're all in the same boat. Let's row to a better future for all of us!
quote:
"Look at the other companies on the pole with union representation all have much better wages and benefits."
Except for the locations that are working to do away with the union.
June 6, 2008 8:50 PM
Well I don't exactly see a whole lot of those anywhere. Why would you give up the only control and bargaining power you have? This company is made on OUR BACKS, OUR SWEAT, OUR BLOOD, and we aren't even authorized to stop work in hurricane winds, lightning storms, and severe snow. Have you checked your medical benefits lately? They changed our good coverage after their mandatory audit, and gave us back crap. You can be guaranteed that all other utilities pay less, and get MORE!
Let's get this DONE!
For anyone who may have questions about forming a union,or questions on what a union may have to offer, or what protection under the law you have while gaining the information you need in order to make an informed decision on the future for you and your family then attend a meeting and ask those questions. Remember your right to attend a meeting is protected by the law and that it is illegal for a company to spy or send some one to spy for them to such a meeting. You have rights!
There are three COMPANIES working from the same pole. theres the power company, the cable company, then the phone company. Which one gets paid the least? Which one has to pay for medical (ie more every year to boot)? Mr. I want to see a better contract, answer those questions. As a matter of fact, let all the anti-union people anwser those questions. We do the same job for less pay and we are the only one not represented by a union. Wake up. Your arguement would have validity if we made more than them but we don't.
WHAT DO I NEED A PENSION, PAY AND HEALTH INSURANCE FOR, I HAVE FREE CABLE AND A TRUCK !!!!!!!!!
AND BY THE WAY I DID NOT APPLY TO Timewarner I APPLIED TO Adelphia SO STOP TELLING ME I HAD A CHOICE. THIS CHEAP I DONT GIVE A SHIT ABOUT MY EMPLOYEES FUTURE COMPANY CAME IN AND STARTED TAKING IMMEDIATELY..... Maine IS READY TO SIGN THE CARDS
SIGNED A PISSED OFF Timewarner TECH.
Hey A PISSED OFF Timewarner TECH tell me what you lost when time warner took over so Maybe I can be pissed too.I thought TW treated me pretty good so tell me what I,m missing out on.
I agree that we all need to be heard, I also think that nobody expects to be given something for nothing. All I want is for my opinion to matter. We all should be proud of our jobs and our company should be proud of US! If we are continually treated unfairly a union may be a step in the right direction, I would just like to see some examples. Recently our shop was told of poor contracts for Time Warner and I for one would just like to see what a typical contract consists of, be it good or bad. If anybody has any idea where I would be able to find this let me know here, I'll check back often.
I just hope everybody knows its your right, and in my opinion obligation, to make an informed decision thats right for you and your family. Nobody should make any decision without all the information they can get.
This applies to my brothers over at TIMEWARNER
I can give every tech ONE GUARANTEE, if we do not vote the union in we will never gain any benefits. Comcast will never willfully give us any benefits to our gain. The only way to attain better than the shit we have now is to bargain. The only way to bargain is with a union. The choice is simple, work for shit, NO UNION. Gain benefits and wages, UNION.
I'll address what I lost when Time Warner took over--
I lost seniority. I don't get paid what a TW worker of my experience and level of knowledge gets paid.
I lost a great benefits package. Heath, Vision, and Dental were TOP NOTCH and the envy of everyone (except verizon).
I lost a laid back work environment and got a bunch of dispatchers that now get a kick out of adding work to my que at the end of my shift.
I lost a sense of pride when all the promises about great change and better treatment by TW during the by out have taken years to materialize and when those changes do come, they are pennies compared to dollars.
I do enjoy my work, but I refuse to accept that this company CANNOT treat me better. I am not asking for the world, but this is not my FIRST rodeo, and at this rate it won't be my last.
I want a job that I can earn a wage to support a family, get good benefits from a large company that can afford to supply them, and one that I can progress and eventually retire from.
I guess if all these things are too much to ask, I should look elsewhere, but again I DON'T think these things are too much to ask.
You don't have to look elsewhere to get decent wages and benfits, you just have to band together and join a union. The IBEW is trying to raise the standard of living of the cable companies. If we stand alone the company will just fuck us. why take away from management, if they can take away from the workers. United the company is forced to bargain in good faith. Getting better and wages might take a little time but without a union it will never happen. With a union at least we have a chance.
if the whole state of maine sticks together it's going to be hard for them to give us shity contracts, besides those unions they were talking about that got shitty contracts what did they have for numbers?
Yeah......right!!!(NOT!) After the way NYNEX/VERIZON treated my family, you can keep your friggin' union. Why would I want to pay IBEW for not owning up to implied promises? I've already got an ex-wife for that!
Yeah......right!!!(NOT!) After the way NYNEX/VERIZON treated my family, you can keep your friggin' union. Why would I want to pay IBEW for not owning up to implied promises? I've already got an ex-wife for that!
Well since this is a discussion forum how about some examples? I'm curious what they did to your "family". I call BS on generic inflammatory comments without facts. If you come here to say "unions suck" please have some facts to back it up, and not generic responses.
Please don't tell me you left a telephone job to join cable...you must have had to sell your home to pay the difference.
I'm guess your uncle's cousin's sisters fathers brother didn't like unions. But if you have specific examples please list them. Thanks.
yeh we got it good 12 bucks an hour, gps babby sitting us, ass loads of work that's impossible to do right ( don't foget to pass q'c every wall plate must be compression haha) health insurance copays change when they feel like changing them,(go to the doctors and see how good are benefits are?) performce raise's that are less than the cost of living raise that your were promised to get that you didn't get so you really didn't get a raise at all? a qc policy that changes evey week that i still don't know but hey it only effects your raise at the end of the year, "i think this year i'm getting 32 cents" but if i come home after working 12 hours and not talk to my wife and kids i can study my ncti books for 2 months and get another 80 cents and hour for something they already expect me to do that i havent got paid for yet i can live just below poverty level, an my next raise will be in a year, wow i'm sure glad i get free cable my oil man loves it. "sorry can't pay the bill, but hey check out skinnamax at 11 it's great. yeh overall very happy i figured it out 40 miles a day with 20mpg = 1 buck more an hour to take my truck home, that's equal to the phone company's wage right? so overall 3 year service tech that gets paid 20 bucks an hour less that the phone company that has better equipment (buckets) than we do, and dosen't do television at all. yeh unions suck. i'll just keep dreaming about owning a house
If Maint dealt with the same bullshit we did they would be for the union too. How about them getting a repeat on a line prob.... not them... how about sales... not them... how about a full board of time frames.... not them.... but let me see they have to fix an outage in 2 hours, big fucking deal. Most of the time your changing a fucking fuse in an amp....... Try rewiring a house in less than an hour because there are two more trouble calls in the same time frame, and oh yeah, sell them something on the way out. we put a ticket in they don't fix it, we go back get a repeat... not them.. we have to work in the rain.. not them.. they find a coffee shop to sit in till the rain stops.. we have 15 trouble calls. how about this one try knocking on a fucking door to fix a leak instead of padding and fleeing. you have no time frames we do. I don't want to hear you were on call and got called out at 2am, because you spend most of the day at home sleeping anyway so it shouldn't be a problem.
As a former tech now management I probably shouldn't write anything like this. But away from work I really support my guys and their union hopes. As a former installer, I would work long hours in the rain and snow and make just pennies on the dollar. I understand where you guys are coming from. Timewarner will stand to lose a lot of money on lawyers fighting this union stand. They will be forced to listing this time due to 300 workers voicing their opion on wages and unfair acts. Do you think I belive that these repeats really are fair? Do you think you guys are very underpaid compaired to phone? You were told that phone is a different bread of work thats why you dont get paid like they do. Has anyone looked into that we are the forth largest phone company in the USA? We are the least paid too. When wages are finally increased to industry standards, we the management will finally get a little compensation too. I know this. Good luck guys !!
if you are mangement then change this bull shit and if you get a raise then give us one and if you think we are fairly compensated for our work then you are a suck pump. p.s fuck all you non-union dumbasses that are doing a skilled trade for shit pay when our company is making billions a quater "think about it use your head, there is a better life out there for us in this bussiness if we stick together, they can't replace numbers."
Well since this is a discussion forum how about some examples? I'm curious what they did to your "family". I call BS on generic inflammatory comments without facts. If you come here to say "unions suck" please have some facts to back it up, and not generic responses.
Wow, too bad you don't follow your own advice.
All a union can promise us is that they'll negotiate for us. Anyone here know what negotiate means? It means "we'll trade this for that". Or "do this or we'll strike". What do we have now that we're willing to trade? Trade low insurance premiums for higher wages? Maybe cut out the annual bonus program?
Don't think a union gets something for nothing - and how much will we be paying in dues?
What about the tech next to you that doesn't do his job right? He'll get the same raise we will, and if he was here before you were, he has seniority for everything ... better shifts, newer trucks etc.
Unless of course you "are" that tech that wants all those great things for less effort than the rest of us ... and what do you think our customer's will think of the new Time Warner? You think wait times are bad now? See what happens when every tech goes home after their strict 8 hour day.
And heaven forbid you actually rely on overtime like some of us - that goes to the senior tech also. Hope you didn't need those extra hours for an upcoming birthday, or Christmas.
Absolutely organize, absolutely ask questions, and absolutely be sure you know what you're getting into. Just be sure you're getting answers from the union, and not wishy-washy half-truths. If they answer your question with a question about TW - did they really answer you? It's just like politics these days, they won't tell you why they are great - they'll just try tell you why TW is bad.
I just want all of us to make an informed decision. No more "BS on generic inflammatory comments without facts". If your informed decision leads you to union representation, then vote that way. But the rest of us need to know that not voting is as good as voting "for" the union.
To the person who wrote about unions negotiating, and ot going to the senior tech and the lazy techs getting the same as you the harworking tech come to a meeting and we can discuss what is half true and what is not. What I think we can all agree on (see the Wall St Journal) is that the cable division of TW did very well last year thanks solely to the efforts of its dedicated workers. Do you feel that you received your fair share of the profits that YOU generated? I look forward to talking to you at the next meeting.
Well since this is a discussion forum how about some examples? I'm curious what they did to your "family". I call BS on generic inflammatory comments without facts. If you come here to say "unions suck" please have some facts to back it up, and not generic responses.
Wow, too bad you don't follow your own advice.
I DID, but since I didn't sign you you wouldn't know that. I made the long post about what I LOST when I BECAME Time Warner.
Personally I WANT to go home after 8hrs. We shouldn't have to get overtime to make a living wage. If you look at the "merit raises" we get now esentially everyone IS GETTING THE SAME RAISES now...3.9-4.0% a year. WOOOPIE!!! That doesn't even cover the cost of living. I don't care what our customers think of the "new Time Warner" they hate the Time Warner they already have. Should they have to wait 3 weeks for a service call? Probably not. Could Time Warner hire enough techs to get the job done instead of overworking the tech's they have? ABSOLUTELY.
I don't want OT. I don't want to work on call to change batteries in people remotes. I don't want to depend on overtime. I want to do my job, take the time it should take to complete it, be proud of it, and then go home to my beautiful family.
Like Steve says, come to a meeting and ask the questions. And then ask yourself if the "Power of You" might be worth more than you think it is.
yeh just like you said you rely on overtime so that means for fairly compesated for your work? overtime isn't written in stone and if you can barley survive on 40 hours for climbing poles all day than somethings wrong, ours bodys are taking a beating for to little money.
i have worked at time warner for more than 27 years and in that time i have seen many good people treated poorly. now is the time to stand together and work together for a better future .
27 years and for the union i bet this guy could awnser some questions about this companys tatics of unjust working conditions an regulations,
remember the next job the union could save could be yours, how confident are you time warner is for us the employee?
Research it i did union contracts 2 percent 2.5 percent raises , Time warner New York went union employees who were union had to fight for three years to get pension that non union workers had all long.( imagine you were to retire in those three years ) We have good benifits I know plenty people who struggle because they work for big companys with half what we have.
the only question i have is how many members did those unions have? ("research it") the whole state is nothing to mess with power=numbers but you ad in how many miles of plant we have, replaced that! p.s what companys do your "people" work for "shoe" companies that can be shiped over seas. "we can't, fight for whats right because this sure the fuc* is not"
sincerly, one under paid tech that lives pay check to pay check, just to survive while living in an apartment, that tried to buy a house, that did not make enough to qualify to get a loan, for climbing poles allday,( wtih a ladder when they make better equipment to do the job(buckets, how cheap is this company, money over safety?) if you are non union i hope you are doing what you think is right because as former adelphia i have seen good people fired for bullshit reasons and if "dummy" dosen't like your awnsers he will look smart and pretend to know somethin about cable.
OK, I get it now. This is "my opportunity to discuss my workplace issues".......as long as I agree with YOUR opinion.....otherwise I get attacked. You know, we all work here and see what really goes on. "Good people fired for bullshit reasons"???? Since when??? To quote you again from an earlier post: "I call BS on generic inflammatory comments without facts." Stick to the truth for a change and think about respecting other opinions than your own.
I want one person to tell me what I have to lose in going Union.
I have talked with upper management of several companies in the Augusta and Gardiner areas that are not Union and I asked how they kept their employees happy.
A manager at a nationwide company with an office in Gardiner Maine stated that they filled out a job description for the desired position and went to the Department of Labor and asked what the average wages were for a job of that caliber. They then took that hourly rate and added 25 cents an hour to it. With their "career path" in place the economy recently accelerated and they began to lose employees while others became concerned, so they agreed to pay the existing employees more.
That company is NOT Union. They are a national company that deals with networking and troubleshooting on a level strikingly similar to ours. There is no reason that our company can't take similar actions and squash all talks of a Union.
I challenge anybody who reads this to go to the Department of Labor and see what the average wage is for a job of our caliber. We are in fact one of the largest phone companies in America.
And before anybody says it, I know I can go work for Fairpoint or whoever and make more, but I like my job and I like the people I work with. I enjoy working with customers on all levels, this job is exciting and challenging. I take pride in my work, I just want my company to take pride in me, and then I want them to show it with sincerity. And if they honestly can't increase my wages I'd just like to hear why.
I just want to be taken seriously, I have a family to look out for, as do most of you. It is not unreasonable for all of us to accept nothing but the best for those whom we care about.
all i know is that after 8 hours is ot, if you work more than 13 hours a day the next day is paid off, double time on sundays, and free health insurance, also buckets instead of ladders, this is all from a company that dosen't offer as many products as we do, i heard throungh the great vine that they give there employees free dsl,a dish and free phone that we pay 20 bucks a month for? the reasons i'm hearing for people not for it is were going to lose benefits, there going to take "my" truck away, there going to take away my cable, no free clothes, the awnser is they can't take any thing away that is already in place.
research it!!! if you think the union will get us double time on sundays ...bull... and your raise will be 2.5 or 2 percent a year stop crying i carry a ladder too. oh and i was able to buy a house ! if union could offer big lavish contracts they would produce examples of a contract they got in an other state .. but no havent seen that on any site have ya. you can pay some union dues iam not union noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Here's some stuff that I found when I did the research.
Oh...sorry to burst you bubble, but I got a mortgage approved too. Last time I checked, approval was primarily based on your credit history and current score. (FYI, I've been in IR for about two years.) So, unless you've been here substantially less than that, what we make was probably not the primary reason you were turned down....unless, of course, the house you wanted was just out of you price range. Anyway, check this stuff out. Nobody told me about this. Pro or Con...it looks like there's a lot of serious shit for us to consider here.
http://laborpains.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/owens-rosen-6-16-radio1.mp3
http://server1.laborpains.org/?p=867
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/union-is-misleading-consumers-hurting,440332.shtml
http://www.unionfacts.com/articles/cardCheck.cfm
http://www.unionfacts.com/cardcheck/theProblem.cfm
http://www.unionfacts.com/cardcheck/unionMythsFromUnionMouths.cfm
http://www.unionfacts.com/articles/crimeULLICO.cfm
While these sites all appear to be strongly opposed......the fact that these things are even in question is enough for me. My opinion counts, right?... or does it here on this blog? I'm confused. Can't say I'd enjoy being used as a pawn. Aaaaahhh,NO! I'm good, thanks. But, thanks for asking.
One more thing, BUCKETS FOR ALL??? That'll be really useful on the Old Port route. Can't wait to try finding a parking space for that!
let me catch you two lock box heros from the big city up on some stuff so you can "think outside "your"box for a minute and understand why i as former adelphia feel this company is unjust.
1.) i've also have been in i/r for around 2 years and i have got a total of 38 cents in those 2 years
2.) "the career path" we just got after not having any raises in a little over a year and a half so everything was idle.
3) when portland got there christmas bonus we did not
4)we were promised to get retro paid for the cost of living raise, we did'nt,actually we never got one.
5.)workload haha never mine i won't go there.
wow i/r for 2 years and you bought a house? wify must have a good job?
some of you need to realize that we are all aboard the same boat here, and whoever listed the links to the "unionfacts" should be aware that it is indeed an anti-union website and that OFCOURSE the stats will not be favorable.
if you honestly believe you are being treated well you must be fresh out of high school and living in your parents house.
at our current wage and slow level of raises and advancement this company needs to decide if they want to replace workers every year or two or keep ones with skill and talent. i am not making a wage greater than someone working at Wendys. i do have more skills, more education, more hazards in my job, but the pay is the same.
therein lies the problem. we need to stop pointing fingers at each other and start pointing them at TWC and ask them "Do you really want me to stay here?"
right now the union is the only recourse we have, as this company has shown through its actions and policies that they have little regard for our well being, both physical, and fiscal.
to the new kids whose bodies don't hurt every morning getting up, and think making $12/hr is great and don't use their health benefits, aren't married, because you're still young and healthy,and don't have kids to support, don't for one minute think you will feel this way 10 years from now.
now is the time to secure a better future for us all.
To the pension guy...
You realize what $10,000/year will be worth in 25-30 years (the amount of time before most of us retire) and this is the current pension plan we have.
Toilet paper
Finding a place to park my bucket...
now that's a problem i wish i had.
Maybe the old port guys could be issued a moped then if parking is the issue (i'm joking here we need to stop the infighting between the "big city" guys and the guys climbing the big sticks. you "city guys" know you're still making more money than us right?)
Check out the link below to get the low-down on Richard Berman, the founder of unionfacts.com
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/the-anti-union-network/center-for-union-facts/lifting-the-veil-on-richard-berman.html
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/the-anti-union-network/chamber-of-commerce/coalition-for-a-democratic-workplace-exposed-20080424-557-273.html
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/
the-anti-union-network/
chamber-of-commerce/
coalition-for-a-democratic-workplace-exposed-20080424-557-273.html
Whats goin on here?
Im glad to see that I got my anti union paper work in the mail tonight from timewarner. They do not understand that this will hurt them more than us. We all need to stick together for the hard times to come very soon. But in the end we will be so better off. People should know that this will not be a quick fix, but instead a look to our future. We are all here because we like what we do and want to make this our career not just a job.
by now most of us have gotten the threating letter from time warner . this is the same scare tactics that took place in 2002 when we were trying to form a union . improvements were made along with promises . as the months went by the improvements faded away and the promises were forgoten . dont be fooled by timewarners sudden intrest in our work place problems . they are only trying to stop our unionizing efforts. in 2002 we had people in managment jobs that thought that we were justifyed in forming a union but were forced to speak out against our union efforts . a company that pays its ceo s in the millions and counts its profits in the billions can and should treat all of us much better . we will need to stick together and work together to gain improvements in our jobs . i have been to 8-10 union meetings so far and look foward to talking to more of my coworkers about how we can work together to gain improvements in our jobs . yes i am the 27 year guy .
union no !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hopefully people dont ruin Time Warner Maine by bringing in a union .Those who want it never worked in one before!I have its terrible. 7 year installer
how does having the right to negotiate for fair wages and working conditions ruin anything? lets stand up for our families and ourselves.
brent makes excellent points. I, for one, would love to see less bickering amongst ourselves. ask questions? absolutely. start fights between portland and the rest of the state? absolutely NOT! start fights between maintenance and IR techs? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
We got the letter. We can expecting mandatory pre-work meetings where the company wants to "listen to us."
Don't be fools. We have made it this far. If you know you DON'T want a union...that is your right. I respect that. I absolutely don't understand it, but we can agree to disagree.
What we don't need to do is start fighting amongst ourselves. If there are workers in your office that are anti-union just LEAVE THEM ALONE. We don't need %100 to win. We need %50 + 1. By trying to force your ideas on others all you will accomplish is alienating them. They in turn will fuel management with information, and hamper our efforts.
The beauty of a democracy is that everyone is entitled to his/her opinion and can vote accordingly.
Be educated. Be smart. And learn when to BE QUIET.
Well listen, the major problem here is that if 50 + 1 gets union passed then the rest of us have to settle for small raises with caps. What do you honestly think union will do for you? Also people who dont want a union will be forced to pay 70 to 80 dollars in union dues a month.I am not willing to do that. Seems like everyone who wants union are people who like to cry alot! if people honestly think union will get them a bucket and 30 dollars per hour you foolish.what youll get is 75 cents an hour and have to pay for cable ,rr,phone full price. If you could show proof of other contracts with Time Warner from this union with such great results you would have by now!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey who's whining now! I was trying to be polite. I don't know what you're raises are NOW but they are SMALL <4%. I want a 40hr work week. Pay scale fitting my job. Better health plan. Don't call me foolish, I've done my homework. Yes, I think the people who are being the loudest about it are coming across like cry babies and whiners.
You're also crying and whining, and I can tell that you're completely happy making sub standard pay for the job you do, which tells me you are either not very smart or not very ambitious.
The IBEW doesn't have many contracts with TWC, so what? Comcast is about to go NATIONWIDE with the IBEW. Let's take a look at their contract.
I don't want a bucket. I want respect. This is a technical job, and a hazardous one. It is challenging mentally and physically. It wouldn't be unreasonable to be compensated proportionately.
Take YOUR own advice. STOP WHINING. You aren't going to change the minds of those of us who have already done our homework. You keep demanding information...get your ass to a meeting or call Steve Smith, or Jenn Nappi.
Most people know where they stand on this issue. Poor spelling, poor grammar, poor debating skills on the internet aren't going to sway anyone at this point.
Where do you get YOUR INFORMATION? .75/hr and losing free cable? Where are your facts.
It's time to put up or shut up. The day I have to pay for cable is the day they can come turn it off. You're a broken record and yes I can tell you're the same person over and over again. Your jr. high school method of using too many exclamation points is getting old, and is comparable to shouting to be the loudest to win a debate. We've heard you...we just don't care what you have to say!
sounds like a union rep for sure.
Nope, just someone older whose been around the block and was probably working when you were in diapers. I speak my mind: call a spade a spade. And if you come to a meeting I'll buy you a coke and show you how to shave the peach fuzz off your upper lip.
The reps feel safe to use their real names here. I wonder why we don't?
So...according to Jenn, Steve and the guy who hasn't actually been out in the job market in 27 years, the grass is MUCH greener outside of Time Warner. Really? After actively looking for a better situation for almost two years, I chose here based on exactly the benefits you people are crapping on. Don't get me wrong, I'd like more money just like everyone else on the planet. But if you honestly think that the benefits here are that bad and they are so much better elsewhere, I'll just say that I hope you have better luck than I did. If this is truly about the money, then why would I want to choose a course where promotion is typically based on tenure rather than effort and talent? Having been in that situation before,I much prefer having more control of my own career rather than having to communicate through a shop steward (who's personality I may or may not like). Now, from what I've seen here so far, this is where you rip me to shreds because I don't buy in.
yep they are going to come after you because you are not for union. From what I have seen union wanters are using more scare tatics than Time Warner. I was for union now I am against because I see how people are acting.
signed,
changed vote
Hmm let me quote:
let me catch you two lock box heros from the big city up on some stuff so you can "think outside "your"box for a minute and understand why i as former adelphia feel this company is unjust.
1.) i've also have been in i/r for around 2 years and i have got a total of 38 cents in those 2 years
I started out in Adelphia dispatch out of Augusta for a year, a year in Level 3 in Portland and now about 8 mos as a I/R tech. I have gotten more than that each year. Of course, the raise is based on performance. Might want to examine how you do your job.
2.) "the career path" we just got after not having any raises in a little over a year and a half so everything was idle.
No comment here since I finally got off my ass and starting working on career path.
3) when portland got there christmas bonus we did not
Sorry sunshine, I have gotten a bonus each year. Again, its based on performance. And again, examine how YOU perform.
4)we were promised to get retro paid for the cost of living raise, we did'nt,actually we never got one.
When was this promised? I missed this.
5.)workload haha never mine i won't go there
English second language? Whats your point?
I won't hide behind being anonymous. The day the union gets into Lewiston is the day I give my notice.
I for one have been in the worked for 40 plus years.The last 20 years in cable have been good years.The last 7 or so years since we have been Time Warner have been better still.Lets all hope that 50% of the TWC techs are smart enough to see through the union crap.They make way to many promises with no facts to back them up!
I didn,t see Kieth's letter as threateniong in any way.All I see is the fact that some TWC divisions
are trying to decertify.If this is not true just let me know.If it is not true tell me if they have it so good why are they decertifing
the only promise the IBEW has made was that if TWC techs decide to form a union then they will have a say in their future.They will give themselves an opportunity to be a part in determining that future. Any other promises I am not aware of. Come to a meeting and we can talk.
The unions that are decertifying have 20 members and that gives them zero bargaining power, therefore TWC treats them like crap.
I've never gotten any promises from the union. I have gotten alot of promises from TWC ALL of them broken.
Yes Brian we were promised retro-active raises. (you were a dispatcher then.)
No, Brian two years ago the "former Adelphia" employee's did not get any BONUS whatsoever. You might have been working level 3 in Portland by then.
Brian, the raises you got where for "position" each year. Dispatchers make more per hour than techs (baseline), Level 3 makes more than that. When you became a tech you got to keep your "position raises" even though on TWC's pay scale you've been "demoted."
thanks sunshine:)
The career path was "redesigned" and all former Adelphia employees could not participate in the career path until recently.
Brian it is to my belief that you really wouldn't want a union coming in to your work place. After all posting your name on here makes even management know this. Thats really funny since your overall goal at Timewarner is to be in management and this is known all over now. Being management is not being part of our team. You really havent been here long enough to complain about anything. You are the new guy right? Yes this job is better than alot, but it could be alot better too. And yes most of this is about money, do you think you are worth more than what you make?. Look at that pole on the road. Think humm CMP starts their aprenticeships at $18.35 and have to right equipment to do their job. Down your way is Oxford networks. They make $16 to start. Then theres Fairpoint now. These guys make up to $33.45 after 4 years. Then theres us, do you not see that things could be alittle better. You have kids, do you want to excel in your career path at home while you could be spending time with them?. There is no quick fix for anything here, but atleast with this union I belive that theres a chance. Belive this from someone thats been here a long time.
wow i/r for 8 months and you'll give your notice, that's hard to replace? but then again without a union no of us are hard to replace
"The unions that are decertifying have 20 members and that gives them zero bargaining power"........that's good to know. I'm sure that their union organizer was up front about that point during their campaign to sign cards, right? Just to bring YOU up to speed....some of us work outside of Cumberland and Kennebec County and are getting pretty tired of all the bickering coming out of the big towns. I knew what I signed on for; I chose to do so; the money could always be better but that's true of any job; and 10 years in, I'm doing just fine (other than getting rear-ended by the oil company...but I'm pretty sure the union can't fix that). So, why in the would I want you involved in my personal choice of employment? Since, according to your own words, I'll have "zero bargaining power." If I have an issue with my work, that's my business, not ours.
huh?????????????? what are you talking about?
i don't get what that dude was trying to say but i'm pretty sure he's trying to say if you have 20 people you have zero barging power so hes happy hes just getting rear ended?
Anonymous said...
Brian it is to my belief that you really wouldn't want a union coming in to your work place. After all posting your name on here makes even management know this.
You are right. I don't want a union. I have been a part of a couple in my life and was not happy. I have no problem posting my name because I have also have no problem telling the company about things I don't agree with. Those that know me, know I have no problem speaking up.
Anonymous said...
wow i/r for 8 months and you'll give your notice, that's hard to replace? but then again without a union no of us are hard to replace
Who said I was hard to replace? Yeah, just been in I/R for 8mos but have almost 3 years in the company (including the time in Adelphia). It's a matter of choice.
the point about the 20 man union was that a Maine TWC cable union would be 300+ strong. that is ALOT more than zero bargining power.
its not just the big cities bickering. madawaska lost most of their I/R dept. recently. do you think that's because the grass wasn't greener somewhere else?
Don't twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point.
"The unions that are decertifying have 20 members and that gives them zero bargaining power"........that's good to know. I'm sure that their union organizer was up front about that point during their campaign to sign cards, right? Just to bring YOU up to speed....some of us work outside of Cumberland and Kennebec County and are getting pretty tired of all the bickering coming out of the big towns. I knew what I signed on for; I chose to do so; the money could always be better but that's true of any job; and 10 years in, I'm doing just fine (other than getting rear-ended by the oil company...but I'm pretty sure the union can't fix that). So, why in the would I want you involved in my personal choice of employment? Since, according to your own words, I'll have "zero bargaining power." If I have an issue with my work, that's my business, not ours.
Then this was the response...
Anonymous said...
the point about the 20 man union was that a Maine TWC cable union would be 300+ strong. that is ALOT more than zero bargining power.
its not just the big cities bickering. madawaska lost most of their I/R dept. recently. do you think that's because the grass wasn't greener somewhere else?
Then this...
Anonymous said...
Don't twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point.
Was this your response to rebuttal statement? If so...how was it not the point? How were your words twisted?
hey.why don't we just go on strike! that will show TWC.Wake up, with a union we will be worse off then our "brothers" who are not.Been there done that,don't want to do it again.
Our "brothers" who are not are pretty bad off as it is. What you anti guys don't get is that things NEED to change. Those of us smart enough not to be distracted by the company BS, and smoke and mirrors know that the only ones out in the cold when the dust settles are our "brothers" without a union.
Does anyone else notice that all of a sudden the company "cares" about us? What a joke. They care so much they want to "educate" us and "protect" us from the EVIL union.
Ha ha. If you believe this company cares about you as an individual you are sadly mistaken.
You'll be thanking the majority of us when we vote the union in, and you too will reap the benefits of our labor.
Why havent we seen what current IBEW contracts are paying and the benifits?
What are the costs to the members?
I also ask those who are dissatisfied one question, Why did you go to work today if you are mistreated and abused??
How many Union workers does it take to screw the pooch???
ALL OF Them
TWC has been good to those that work and that's that...
There are too many whiners and there should be less whining and more Quota for those identified here on this blog..
Who are You???
Does anyone else notice that all of a sudden the company "cares" about us? What a joke. They care so much they want to "educate" us and "protect" us from the EVIL union.
Ha ha. If you believe this company cares about you as an individual you are sadly mistaken.
Thanks , Stop soliciting we have had enough.....
Cheers
I have noticed that since quitting time there has been much less activity, Why is this??
IBEW not paying much???
Get back to work.. ROFLMAO.
twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point.
I'd like to address some questions I've seen posted here regarding the union.
First of all, dues, from what Steve Smith told me at a meeting, the dues are around 1-2% of your paycheck, which is about 20bucks a month for me give or take.
Secondly what can they do for us? Well that depends what we want, don't be fooled by contracts with Verizon, we WILL NOT get 30dollars an hour and buckets, however, WE decide what we want and they negotiate for us. Nobody disagrees that our benefits aren't that bad, I'd like to see some more to our pension but our 401k does offset some of those differences. The benefits are the hardest to increase as they are so open-ended in cost to the company. Cash is what most people see with our economy inflating, and its relatively easy to get our of everything.
Why would a Union work here? Because the IBEW has not held back that they intend to get our entire state of Maine or they will walk away. The strength in a union is in its numbers. If a union of 20 people goes on strike, nobody will notice, they will simply pull a few techs from others shops and work will continue. Even if the entire state goes on strike you wouldn't see it come crashing down, they most likely WOULD survive a month or so, but in 97% of settlements all union employees are compensated for lost wages in the end.
Next you really should ask are we REALLY mistreated, and in a lot of aspects we have gotten a lot. We've received many benefits like new trucks and a work from home policy that saves us all a couple bucks, but it saves the company more which is why they do it, the bottom line is PROFITS. Next ask yourself why they show off their short term disability? Is it really that awesome? Sure its nice, but tell me a career with a skilled trade that DOES NOT have such benefits. I am interested to see that as even Home Depot has a policy similar to ours.
Finally look at our fair state, sure cost of living is much lower, but are our wages where they should be? I checked the department of labor website and found that in fact they are not. Across the board we are all grossly underpaid for our trade. A telecommunications line installer/repairer starts our at $19.00 with no experience, $23.00 with experience, this job is typically represented by Verizon/Fairpoint as the bulk of the employees in said trade. However look at the retail version and you'd be surprised to find that they too start at $16.41 an hour on average and this is a job such as Firedog or Geeksquad.
Then look at our wages, we start at $11.00 an hour. This is a problem that Keith Birkley himself admits is a folly. If you look at that same website you'd find the bottom 10% of employees in our field make $13.50 an hour or less.
Now look at these FACTS, none of which were compiled by either the IBEW or Time Warner Cable. Then ask yourself where you fit in, whether we go Union or not is of trivial difference, all we want is to be treated as a valued employee.
Don't believe me? Try this link ...
http://www.state.me.us/labor/lmis/es202.html
I know my last post was a bit long winded, but there was one other question that a lot of people like to ask that I feel I could put to rest.
Why, if we are so mistreated, do we still work here?
There is no definitive answer for this as we all have our personal motivations, but from my perspective, I come to work because I like my job. I enjoy working with my co-workers and providing a service for customers that I know I did my personal best, and I know that my customers see that. I take pride in my work and I know that most of you are the same way no matter what side of the fence your on.
I sincerely hope that I don't come across as pro-union and trying to discredit anybodies opinion, as we are all entitled to our own. I just don't want the REAL issue to be brushed aside in the end. So I will close for the evening by stating again, all ANYBODY wants is TO BE TREATED LIKE A VALUED ASSET TO THIS COMPANY!
We work in an ever changing enviornment.
This is a fact' but we must focus on the primary reason that we all have been gainfully employed in the industry, it is for our customers.
Representation is not
really going to assist with our problems because they are easily taken care of with open lines communication.
In corporate america we are reduced to a number, a body; not a face or a name. This is simply part of the growing process.
When a company grows as much as we have in the past 5 years there will be adjustments that will need to be made and for the better of the company we should try to work through this on our own as a family.
It would be fantastic for all employees to be recognized every day but we are now a team.
I ask that all parties envolved consider the amount of time and frustration this process is
causing and cease and decist.
A large team that needs to communicate with senior management.
It is Imperative that we do this ourselves rather than employ an outside party.
Thanks to the IBEW Reps for thier interest but we as a whole are not Interested .
We are not underpaid,overworked ,abused or intimidated. We all choose to put our boots on and show up, It is a great job and a good company to be a part of.
If we continue to grow the buisness and improve customer satisfaction we will share as we allways have in the profit and pride developed from doing a great Job .
I will add I have spoken with 20 of my co workers about this and we all agree Union representation at this time would not be best for our Job, Lives and Paycheck.
If you feel slighted on the wage side,, I can state if you work hard and have a realistic attitude you can have good wages.
low Insurace costs and save the money you would pay in dues for a family vacation.
SO lets just kick back and enjoy life until there is a realistic Contract to look at all we are doing is bantering back and forth.
SHOW ME THE CONTRACT, SHOW ME THE MONEY , SHOW ME THE RETIREMENT AND 401K
No Thanks IBEW Bangor is not interested
So you just said, and I quote "we are now a team" followed by "we as a whole are not interested" a few paragraphs down? I am sorry, but this member of the 'Team' is interested, and apparently I am not alone. I will not bring opinions to this table, as I would expect neither would anybody who comes to nay-say me. The cold hard facts state that there is a growing population of people who ARE in fact VERY interested in a Union.
The cold hard facts state that we ARE under paid.
The cold hard facts state you have little to know idea that we decide on what our contract will entail. That the entire ideology behind a union is that we are "unified". That this is in fact, your great big dream of a great big team.
There is no reason that we can't be a member of a Union and still be proud of our work, or our company. The idea in going Union isn't that we wish to stick a giant stick in Time Warner's eye, but that we feel Time Warner has not paid enough attention to us as employees, the people who are face to face with their profits every day.
I have seen a lot of people get very upset, they instigate and then preach peace. You are one of them. If you honestly think that you can come to these boards and throw out opinions and dilute them as fact, then you are mistaken. I also have spoken with my colleagues, and we are ONLY interested in facts, as its these opinions and dreams that have lead us to where we are today.
If you truly wish to persuade people maybe you should scroll up a post and read what was written on wages. Maybe you could explain why we start almost 50% less then the average in our state for our job. Because this is not the first time I've asked this question, it's most certainly not the last, and I have yet to receive an answer of any kind, let alone one I could give credit or discredit.
And as an added bonus, nobody is dying to throw money at a third party for representation, most of us have just heard this same message falling on deaf ears for far too long. We just want to be taken seriously, and if paying a third party is such a bad idea, well maybe we can just slide somebody in Financing a couple of bucks every month and they can just correct the error in our paychecks. Because I think mine is supposed to say Burger King.
"In corporate america we are reduced to a number, a body; not a face or a name. This is simply part of the growing process."
Well somebody should fill in Paul, our VP of tech ops. He needs to stop taking the time to remember every face he meets.
I don't know why you would have a view like this, and I really hope its not shared. Our company slogan is "THE POWER OF YOU" for crying out loud! Stop settling for mediocrity and strive to achieve more, if not for yourself for your family.
Who am I? Just a fellow worker, trying to made ends meet. WHO ARE YOU?
I've spoken with many more than 20 workers who feel that moving towards union representation is a viable alternative to our stagnant wage pool and over-quoted asses.
I wish I could sit back and relax, but I start every day with more than 9hrs of scheduled work. Anyone want some overtime? You're welcome to get mine for a while.
Thanks. And please don't pretend to speak for Bangor. That is like me trying to speak for the whole state.
I heard that in Akron OH they just voted to decertify 57-23 after 35years. My math isn't good but that's more than 20. Also I am a former telephone worker (not verizon) and I can promise no one starts at $19 per hour. In fact that was the top of the scale. It started at $10 but most installers started around $13. If a number sounds inflated it probably is. I'm afraid if we go union and negotiate a few bucks an hour raise, but lose other benifits like pension and free cable phone and internet plus have to pay union dues, it will be a wash for a lot of hastle. Then what if we have to strike? I have a mortgage I need to pay. I live paycheck to paycheck, can't afford to skip one. Going union is a commitment I am afraid to make.
just to remind everyone this blog is intended to let people "speak their mind" don't take any thing personal and don't get mad at what people say, union or not. i personly am leaning toward the union just based on the facts of the pay difference, i mean our pay is fine if we just did cable but we are an industry leader and the times have changed, and what's next fios and still no increase in pay? since i been here i learned 3 new trades buiness class phone " which is a whole new ball game", phone, and also security systems, and not one pay increase? if they want to pay me 12 bucks an hour fine, but let me do 12 bucks an hour worth of work, don't baby sit me, don't expect the world from me, i already have to many resposibilites, but please keep posting i like to hear both sides it helps me hear questions awnserd. p.s i respect all of you and what we do for work not everyone could be in this line of work it's dangerous and dirty,(which brings me to the hazard pay question?) and in conclusion this is why i still work here because as you can see other compaines can't read my resume with all the spelling and grammer mistakes. keep posting i like hearing what my co-workers have to say.
"I heard that in Akron OH they just voted to decertify 57-23 after 35years. My math isn't good but that's more than 20."
You are correct, 35years is more then 20years. Must have been rough those 35years ... I mean personally, I wouldn't let it last that long, but I am sure they had their reasons ....
"It's time we had a president who didn't choke saying the word, 'union.' A president who knows it's the Department of Labor and not the Department of Management. And a president who strengthens our unions by letting them do what they do best – organize our workers."
I found this quote to be interesting. Take from it what you will.
"McCain's only plan for health care reform is to make a bad situation worse. McCain wants to make employer-provided health care benefits part of taxable income. Experts say the likely effect would be the end of employer health plans, pushing workers into the private health care market where insurance companies could continue to refuse coverage."
I like quotes, sorry.
did any one get the email from timewarners ceo telling us that timewarner revenues were up 36% .$$$$$$$$ do our wages bennefits and working conditions reflect the profits we help to generate . no way . united we bargain, devided we beg.
did any one get the email from timewarners ceo telling us that timewarner revenues were up 36% .$$$$$$$$ do our wages bennefits and working conditions reflect the profits we help to generate . no way . united we bargain, devided we beg.
Just how much is the union promising? How many of my other benies are going to be gone to get those dollars? I'd like to see something in writing just to give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. After all I'd love to sign my rights away for 20 years to someone that I've never dealt with to Negociate my lively hood down the shitter.
i have learned alot from the meetings i have gone to [8-10]. and i hope to learn much more . please take the time to attend the meetings . it is well worth the time and effort . if you hard working people would like more info please call me . 207-423-2998 [ any time day or nite ]
I can learn alot too. And All I know is that No one will answer a simple question Just come to a meeting and I'll indoctrinate you, I don't want to waste the time. Just like a Politician answer a question with an open ended question. What no one have any thing in writing? This is too good to Believe. Sight unseen Ive got some swamp land for sale its good if it don't rain.
one person alone has little to say about his or her wages and working conditions . a united group of people [ a union ] has a better chance of gaining improvments . our only chance is to work together .
Like I said no answers just more of the same Give us undecided a peek of whats up for grabs in writing then maby we will see the light not just open ended BS that we are going to get a bigger piece of the pie.. No gaurantees just hope. I hope All your dreams come true
hey listen to brent before opening your mouth, what kind of question is that "something in writing" you don't get anthing in writing unless were united and bargin together for something "in writing" p.s i haven't seen anything with twc "in writing" just "we're looking into it" well if you don't want this here listen and solve!
If you do nothing .... nothing will change
oh wait they did put something in writing it's called "at will" meaning you can be let go at any time for any reason. makes me wonder when times get as hard as they say there going to who does the most work and keep them, everyone else sorry? ohh yeh and if they cared so much then why are you scared they will take something away, money problems? hahah! stick together and we will live the life and reek the rewards your supposed to from working a demanding and dangerous job.
Here's the way I see it. Guy puts a fancy guarantee on a box 'cause he wants you to fell all warm and toasty inside. Why shouldn't it? Ya figure you put that little box under your pillow at night, the Guarantee Fairy might come by and leave a quarter, am I right?
The point is, how do you know the fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy; well, we're not buying it. He sneaks into your house once, that's all it takes. The next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser, and your daughter's knocked up. I seen it a hundred times.
But why do they put a guarantee on the box?
Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me.
Of course we all know that's from Tommy Boy, but I mean really, does anything in life come with a guarantee?
Where are copies of recent contractcs an d cost for Insurance.
To expect us to sign on without information is BS.
I have seen no information in the mail or by personally deliverd flyers that can offer evidence that we would gain personally from this. I see it as a membership drive for the Union not so much as a hand put out to help Our "Brother" Tiwe employees..
There will always be personell that are not satisfied with thier pay and they will always whine even when they get what they think they want today....
I hear the CWA is offering 1 free maintenence tech for each installer LMAO.
Put some recent contracts in a envelope along with a relaistic goal and then we could all sit and discuss our goal's as a group.. At this time I see a small disgruntaled group of techs whining again ...
Help Yourself Dont expect anyone else to do it for you...
Go Bangor The
"Anti" Shop
if we worked for a "mom and pops" company" that honestly couldn't afford to pay us then that's one thing but twc, come on there making money, bottom line there making money and we see nothing and never will until this industry's pay and benefits are adjusted to current times.(i too signed on for cable and internet, not the other task they asigned and didn't compensate me for even though the did.)
The point I am making is that we have not been presented and true and clear information ..
twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point
Just a buch of hooligans quoting each other on the blog...
Vote No Augusta
Vote no Bangor
Vote No Waterville
Vote No Portland
Madawaska should just defect to canada for free heathcare>>>>>>
The point is, how do you know the fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy; well, we're not buying it. He sneaks into your house once, that's all it takes. The next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser, and your daughter's knocked up. I seen it a hundred times. Twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point
So you just said, and I quote "we are now a team" followed by "we as a whole are not interested" a few paragraphs down? I am sorry, but this member of the 'Team' is interested, and apparently I am not alone. I will not bring opinions to this table, as I would expect neither would anybody who comes to nay-say me. The cold hard facts state that there is a growing population of people who ARE in fact VERY interested in a Union. Twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point
It's time we had a president who didn't choke saying the word, 'union.' A president who knows it's the Department of Labor and not the Department of Management. And a president who strengthens our unions by letting them do what they do best – organize our workers.
"twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point
It should be fairly obvious Yay is the minority an nay rules the earth...
Go Bangor The ANTI Shop twist my words. That was exactly NOT my point
Fairpoint is Hiring, and I also met a supervisor who used to tell the troop's McDonalds is hiring and they have uniforms and Benifits.....
Good luck see ya at the meeting
oh wait they did put something in writing it's called "at will
You can Quit if you dont like working .....
oh wait they did put something in writing it's called "at will
You can Quit if you dont like working .....
oh wait they did put something in writing it's called "at will
You can Quit if you dont like working .....
wow a maintence tech, a super hero, come on a corner pole with me some night when cmp and farpoint are there and laugh at the equipment i have and the work i do for the money i get paid, and now there saying "if i help you do this pole transfer the company will never get you the equipment you need so you jack a strain rod and call it good (for you j-lag heros "not safe") were compentition now and it's time to change,"congradulations bangor we now it's the bangor way or no way" i'm for the union just knowing i get 17 dollars an hour less then the guy i worked with 2days ago which happens to be union"
why am i here because it's all i know and i'm ready to make a better future for me and my family. pay check to pay check sucks? i wouldn't dare call out my office like some but 9 years and a lot of rooks i'd say 85% in
There have been a lot of good arguements presented here and some bad. It was pointed out to me that the unions that I was a part of previously were a long time ago. I am smart enough to gather info, so before I fully decide to vote no, I will hear what they have to say.
And thats all anyone has really asked for brian. Thank you for that.
Well I just saw a copy of three contracts, no wonder no one will produce anything in writing. None of the contracts have pay even up to our levels. And there is nothing about less work. Even less Vacation time Who is the Brainiac that thinks a union is the way. I think that a demand to have what the Proimses are from the Union hot shots in writing before we all regret it is not too much to ask. BE AFRAID.
"I heard that in Akron OH they just voted to decertify 57-23 after 35years. My math isn't good but thats more than 20"
Acutally theres only 19 techs in Akron and it was voted out 15-4. Theres your facts, and again 19 techs have no strenght.
Hey, Are u sure you guys really want a Union? I once was part of a Union and it didn't seem all that great. Promises, promises some came true and others did not. But they put their tin cups out every month and got their dues. The company went on strike and alot of workers didn't get paid just becauses quota wasn't met. Think twice before you strike.
Anonymous- I've seen 3 contracts, two negtiated by IBEW and one by CWA.I guess they will be available to all techs who have the courage to actually read them. Any responsible adult would get all the the facts (not maybes)before they sell their families' future down the sewer. The fact is, no union has negotiated a contract with Time Warner that increases technician pay 4-5 dollars an hour-EVER. The best increase of the actual signed contracts is 50 cents an hour and a 3.5% raise in the first year of a 25 year contract.In the next 24 years you get an annual BUMP of 2%.Man that is some bargaining power!! And if you have the courage to read the rest of that ACTUAL NEGOTIATED CONTRACT you will see what you will lose and what work rules this awesome power - the IBEW negotiated. Work schedules that can include Monday to Sunday anywhere from 7am to 10pm. The other IBEW contract shows increases for a "solid rating" of 2.5%, "superior rating" 3.25% and "outstanding rating 3.75% for the length of the 3 year contract. The wages range from $9.50 to start at the bottom position to a maximum of $12.00 an hour. The top of the Maintenance tech level starts at $14.00 to a maximum of $20.00. The bottom line here is that the only "facts" in this discussion show the contracts negotiated by the IBEW have never approached the pie in the sky propaganda being put out. And the biggest thing not being discussed is that all your benefits are subject to negotiations. Working night shifts, weekend shifts, overtime basically all work rules will be on the table. Seniority dictates who gets the dirty end of the stick and everyone loses something. I want an IBEW official to tell everyone that they intend to negotiate for a 4-5 dollar increase. They wouldn't dare because they know it would never happen. All this rah rah united we stand crap is a sales pitch to sell union dues to a work force with a promise to bargain for a contract- " we'll tell you what it is later". Take the time to read these actual contracts for youself. The reality is that Time Warner pay and benefits are pretty darn good and if you aren't lazy and take the initiative you can progress to a salary far above any actual union negotiated contract.You don't get something for nothing in life and remember the IBEW is a business also. They'll take you union dues if you are irresponsible enough not to get the facts,compare the facts and act like yours and your families' future is at stake.
Well I just saw a copy of three contracts, no wonder no one will produce anything in writing. None of the contracts have pay even up to our levels. And there is nothing about less work. Even less Vacation time Who is the Brainiac that thinks a union is the way. I think that a demand to have what the Proimses are from the Union hot shots in writing before we all regret it is not too much to ask. BE AFRAID.
I can hardly wait to see what will be negociated, I bet it will be a great big huge bone ass!!! BE AFRAID BE AFRAID BE AFRAID BE AFRAID BE AFRAID BE AFRAID BE AFRAID BE AFRAID
"Acutally theres only 19 techs in Akron and it was voted out 15-4. Theres your facts, and again 19 techs have no strenght."
Well I searched in the global address book in our Outlook and I counted 66 IR Technicians located in Akron, there are more PM Techs. Too much BS makes you lose credibility.
union wont make it in most Portland against , all Presque Isle against, Bangor against,Good luck Augusta never will happen no vote wins not enough of the complainers to pass this stupid union idea.
Like I Keep saying Where is all this stuff in Writing?
The Union Can't produce anything in writing????
Like I Keep saying Where is all this stuff in Writing?
The Union Can't produce anything in writing????
So if the union had good contracts with our company then you would jump on board?. Is it not worth a try to get a good contract. Im not pro or anti union, I just want whats best for my family. Its my knowledge that a 50% + 1 vote is needed to get them in. It seems to me there are a lot of people that are for this. And on the other side, if it did get worse, if thats possible it ould take a 50% + 1 vote to get them out. I guess the best thing to watch for is the comcast vote. 1500+ techs think somethings wrong and going union. If you keep your current benefits and can contiune to do your career path, which is really isnt even in the Augusta office, to see if the union can get us a contract for the future. Isnt it worth a shot, if not then vote them out?. You cant lose anything and if you think you will, you need to go listen to steve talk.
why do we have to go to a meeting to here this Steve guy talk. Tell us your truth and facts here.I for one don't think he can (or won't) it's a lot harder to lie in print.
I think if you looked on here that Steve did talk. Steve is not promiseing anything. But if your ok with your job the way it is then this is an easy vote no or dont vote at all. We will soon find out how many peope are agaisnt the union or for it. Very soon.
Nope steve talks about every thing except what exactally is giong to happen, and how much its going to cost us, both with the dues in the tin cup and exactally what benifits will be negociated for the promise of that extra buck he's going to get us. I'd love to see something in writing. Oh yeah I did see 3 contracts that TW had. Now that 2 of them decertified, only one left. None of them had better benifits than I have now, none protected anyone from OT, extra work, or Shifts working 7 days a week or anything else. Show us in writing the Money, a sample of whats in this majic contract that you think is going to give all frigging stuff I don't want to come to a meeting show me the MONEY
People have unrealistic expectations here, overtime is a part of this job, learn to live with it. We will be overbooked and we will be working every day of the week at some point. Our job is to serve our customers when they need service, not when its convenient for us. Union or not, that will continue.
And we won't all have bucket trucks.
And those of you in I/R making 18+ an hour should be happy and utilize the career path as it is, 2dollars a year plus 3% or so is VERY worthwhile.
This job has not, does not, and will not pay 30 dollars an hour. Its unrealistic and don't compare us to Fairpoint. Their job is more complex then ours. As they will shortly see what will happen as a result of overinflation in wages. There always will be a phone company, but it may not be Fairpoint.
And thats cold hard reality people
bill you are an idiot! and useless
contracts, they didn't show you the manhattan contract did they? a contract depends on how many people you have it's basied on numbers.(duh) we are the state of maine (not that much 250 techs) but add in the subcribers and miles it's hard to replace. so the only way you get anything is to stick together. but if you don't we can bitch about oil in the fall. are you fully compensated? look at your bank accout and post?
fair points job is more complex than ours, explain?
it has not paid 30 dollars and hour because it was just one trade cable. add phone, internet. i don't know how else to put it, "times have changed" get back under the desk and you to will be managing a career you know nothing about like the people running this fucking joke.
the cable world has not changed because of idiots like you. "fair point more complex, kick me in the nuts. they look at a slm like your dumbass looks at dc 6, smarten up just because they tell you it's not phone, huh you fucking talk on it so it's god damn phone. vote yes and get a contract stick together and "get a little piece of the pie" just a question i think they kept one of those contracts for 20 years, if was so bad why?
go see the contracts and read the contracts for your self if you can. Also where is the copy of this manhatten contract how come no one will show any thing in writing because its all false hopes??
Anonymous- I've seen 3 contracts, two negtiated by IBEW and one by CWA.I guess they will be available to all techs who have the courage to actually read them. Any responsible adult would get all the the facts (not maybes)before they sell their families' future down the sewer. The fact is, no union has negotiated a contract with Time Warner that increases technician pay 4-5 dollars an hour-EVER. The best increase of the actual signed contracts is 50 cents an hour and a 3.5% raise in the first year of a 25 year contract.In the next 24 years you get an annual BUMP of 2%.Man that is some bargaining power!! And if you have the courage to read the rest of that ACTUAL NEGOTIATED CONTRACT you will see what you will lose and what work rules this awesome power - the IBEW negotiated. Work schedules that can include Monday to Sunday anywhere from 7am to 10pm. The other IBEW contract shows increases for a "solid rating" of 2.5%, "superior rating" 3.25% and "outstanding rating 3.75% for the length of the 3 year contract. The wages range from $9.50 to start at the bottom position to a maximum of $12.00 an hour. The top of the Maintenance tech level starts at $14.00 to a maximum of $20.00. The bottom line here is that the only "facts" in this discussion show the contracts negotiated by the IBEW have never approached the pie in the sky propaganda being put out. And the biggest thing not being discussed is that all your benefits are subject to negotiations. Working night shifts, weekend shifts, overtime basically all work rules will be on the table. Seniority dictates who gets the dirty end of the stick and everyone loses something. I want an IBEW official to tell everyone that they intend to negotiate for a 4-5 dollar increase. They wouldn't dare because they know it would never happen. All this rah rah united we stand crap is a sales pitch to sell union dues to a work force with a promise to bargain for a contract- " we'll tell you what it is later". Take the time to read these actual contracts for youself. The reality is that Time Warner pay and benefits are pretty darn good and if you aren't lazy and take the initiative you can progress to a salary far above any actual union negotiated contract.You don't get something for nothing in life and remember the IBEW is a business also. They'll take you union dues if you are irresponsible enough not to get the facts,compare the facts and act like yours and your families' future is at stake.
the career path. haha! so if i'm hearing this right? i'm getting a raise in the future for the work i'm doing eveyday? i do it all day everyday but have to study to learn it? pay me and i'll call it even. 401k i wish i and money to invest because it sounds like a free raise to me
yup 20 years WTF are you talking about the contracts that are on display are current and in effect I tink you really should read them over, at least they are real not imaginary pie in the sky wet dreams. Show us in writing what this contract is going to look like or are you afraid to because of the truth?
acutally "verizon" overtime is basied on lowest guy for the year gets first dibs then works it's way up so if they don't want to work it someone will, double time on sundays, weather pay (meaning rain because power does track and it "might hurt" i just logged on to this post but my cousin is the union stewart for farpoint so ask some questions and i'll ask him and we will compare, but i also realize we "don't do phone" take some pride and stop squatting to piss
acutally "verizon" overtime is basied on lowest guy for the year gets first dibs then works it's way up so if they don't want to work it someone will, double time on sundays, weather pay (meaning rain because power does track and it "might hurt" i just logged on to this post but my cousin is the union stewart for farpoint so ask some questions and i'll ask him and we will compare, but i also realize we "don't do phone" take some pride and stop squatting to piss
IBEW will fix the oil crisis????? Cool! (I'm guessing I can't get that in writing either.)You know, many years ago when we looked into it, they had no real interest in us because we were "insignificant" to the "real" utility world. Well guess what....WE BUILT ALL THIS....TOGETHER. And we did it without IBEW, CWA or anybody else. The money has steadily gotten better over the years as have the bennies. I don't know about you, but I find it curious that, now that we've made this an ass- kickin' business, the union wants to jump on board and save us. Sounds like a parasite jumping to a healthier host to me. Why the heck do you think Verizon chose this area to sell off, anyway? Maybe the question to ask ourselves is this: Why does IBEW feel that I'm so much more valuable to them now than I was then? After all these years of rebuilds and upgrades, I'm pretty proud of what I helped build here....and it doesn't matter what the name of the week is on the sign. Also, I'm getting pretty pissed about all these newbies telling me how much everything we've ever done sucks without a union. There's no question that there are some real issues here with the wages. Partly because everybody's jealous about the hike the Fairpoint guys got and partly because the economy is so bad right now. I've spent years of my life depending on cable people, not union reps, and cable has always come through in the end. After hearing what Burkley (another long time cable guy)had to say, I for one am willing to give the man a shot at making something happen for us.
finally a voice of reason
you don't get a contract till everyone decides on what we want together do you get it now? and if you bargin for a lesser contract than we already have your dumb. basically everything is frozen and if your living now then you can live untill it's bargined "get it" you lose nothing that is already in place. if the company cares and saves money why do they care?
it looks to me like no one can agree on any thing s ohow long and drawn out do you think this would take? and you don't get it show me something in writing and show me the money I'm sorry but I dont trust lets signup for something that may or may not make it better just have some one do the talkng for me No WAY I've signed up for carree path and will take my chances with someting I can hold and touch not some wishfull promises
Here is some things from THE REAL CONTRACTS LOOK better than what you have now??? NO WAY!!
The best increase of the actual signed contracts is 50 cents an hour and a 3.5% raise in the first year of a 25 year contract.In the next 24 years you get an annual BUMP of 2%.Man that is some bargaining power!! And if you have the courage to read the rest of that ACTUAL NEGOTIATED CONTRACT you will see what you will lose and what work rules this awesome power - the IBEW negotiated. Work schedules that can include Monday to Sunday anywhere from 7am to 10pm. The other IBEW contract shows increases for a "solid rating" of 2.5%, "superior rating" 3.25% and "outstanding rating 3.75% for the length of the 3 year contract. The wages range from $9.50 to start at the bottom position to a maximum of $12.00 an hour. The top of the Maintenance tech level starts at $14.00 to a maximum of $20.00. The bottom line here is that the only "facts" in this
first off i respect the pride in your work, but many years ago you were a basic standard operation no? no a communication leader. i'm glad the raises have increased that as somebody working at mcd'ss but hey it's time for them to increase as a lineman because that what we are a utility, weather they call us one or not. maybe the puc shouold take a look at us again, i'll talk to sharron, that might make you feel better about the far less wages. pride only goes so far when you can't pay the bills?s
i've never heard of a 25 year contract in my life?
to get a contract you must 1st sign cards 2nd vote, 3rd negotiate while nothin changes, no wonder verizon makes 20 bucks an hour more than us. i'm done posting on this site see you at the votes +1 for union anti union you can go to court without a lawyer but i wouldn't recommend it?
STOP IT!!!!!!!
I have read the 3 contracts recently made available, Not GOOD...
I see alot of Bitching and Whining but few facts..
If you want more money work hard and help your employer be more efficient and make a profit..
Or do things that cost them money and time like bringing productivity down by stirring up the masses.. It sure helps the budget, and could reduce the size of your raise; and even leave you working with equipment worse than what you have....
2 to 2.5 % raises are typical but most of you got more than that didnt you!!!!!
If you wish to gamble your money away go to foxwoods or play the slots but your retoric is really getting old!
Unions have been around along time but the numbers are shrinking for a reason.. if you really want to give away your money Go ahead but keep your hands off mine.. I will decide where my money goes and I certainly do not wish to pay for something I do not need or want.
Enjoy your meetings but keep it out of the workplace.
Seriously there is so much negativity in the workplace these days we don't need to create any more of it..
If you can't tolerate the working conditions LEAVE.....
Its your choice, I choose to vote against the UNION .
Go read the contracts front to back look at the hours pay and all of the details you will realize you dont have it that bad..
And this board can be entertaining, but look at how it is turning co workers against each other. That is not good!!!!
...
I cannot say this enough KEEP This out of the workplace we do not IT......
Hey
Fairpoint is Hiring if you are disatisfied....
17 dollars an hour less then the guy i worked with 2days ago which happens to be union
A
fIRST TIME ON HERE.. VOTE YES GUYS, THESE FEW GUYS THAT DONT WANT IT CAN GO TO HELL. WE DONT NEED THEM ANYWAYS. 15 YEARS THIS WAY IS LONG ENOUGH !!!
Hey Tech with great idea. Do you think you have this great idea which no one has ever thought of. Pretty much your idea is to get yourself more money (which is low like ever one elses cause your new)and keep the higher paid guys the same. These higher paid guys have gone through the same thing as you. You have lost all faith from the guys on your crew that watched you stand up and fight with them on the BIG meeting day. What happened? Sounds like a sell out to me. Maybe you can get your mommy and daddy to work here with their big successful jobs to leave behind. What happend to you?
All I can say read the contracts, get a clue, not one of contracts that they let me look at gets us any of the big shiny Bucket trucks, doesnot do anything for wages except 2.5%, I get more than that just by doing a good job. Not one contract says anything about less work or gives more Benifits than I already have now. So I am thinking why the F@#$ would I be a retard and even consider voting YES.
Show me the contract and show me the Money BEAFRAID!
Why do you think they are so willing to share THOSE contracts with you? Wake up there might be another side to the story.
How about the union shops like in Texas and Cali. You dont seem to hear anything bad from their contracts.
so if the california or texas contracts are so good why does't IBEW show them?
i was called into the portland office on 4-2-08 @ 3 pm for a meeting with the vp of custermer opps . the meeting lasted about 30 min . paul seemed to be very interested in how he could make my job better . wouldnt it be nice if we were treated this good all the time . i also beleive that twc is concerned about our organizing efforts and how good it is going . alot of us have put a good amount of effort in to building this union and i am starting to see twc response to it . twc is cocerned that we will finaly have a say in our jobs . we all have a different idea of what a union is . it is my belief that a union is a group of people working together to improve there imployment . [ wages bennefits and working conditions ]. we are starting to see the bennifits of working together . lets all keepup the good work . brent marr
portland office
207-423-2998 [ call me any time day or nite ]
as we work together to gain improvements it is important that we do not get side tracked by twc and there promises of improvements . in 2002 there were promises of improvements that were forgotten when the union was no longer threat . we must not settle for anything less than a good solid contract .!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brent marr portland 207-423-2998
Come on Bill Frecker, you have had all weekend, please tell us your plan to save the company. We are all waiting..LOL
Cut it out with "show us the contracts" or "show me something in writing." A contract covering 15workers in Akron, OH (or anywhere else for that matter) has absolutely nothing to do with working conditions in the state of Maine. There is nothing in writing yet. You have to negotiate the Maine contract first.
All TWC has is their employee handbook. In it they state that the employees are all "at will" meaning that TWC can fire anyone for any reason or no reason. Second it states that they reserve the right to make any changes to the handbook whenever they feel like it with or without notifying the employees.
I for one have no problem with the twc handbook.In 20 years I have seen a few people that have been fired,and I believe everyone of them should be.I am not afraid of being fired at any moment for no reason.One of the things we've been told is how companies fire employees all the time for union activities.If so why is Brent still here??
"Come on Bill Frecker, you have had all weekend, please tell us your plan to save the company. We are all waiting..LOL"
You almost sound sarcastic, but its probably in my head. I never said I'd save the company. Why don't you grow a pair and post with your name if your going to call me out.
And I am not sorry to upset anybody that I am not convinced a Union is the answer. I never said it was not, I just said that a lot of people have an unrealistic outlook as to what a Union can/will or can't/won't do for us. I suppose I should join the rest of the lemmings as they march off from random cliffs because "one person's account from a friend in a union" is very positive. But I fail to see any proof that this will be the scenario I am presented with. I do my own research and I refuse to put blind faith into anybody with my future in mind without learning everything I can.
Maybe you guys can start asking your own questions and doing your own research from now on, it'll be a long time before I trust any one of you again with responses like this made so publicly.
You have no class, and you have no clue.
P.S.~ Its only Saturday, the weekend is only half over with.
Wow...
Sadly anonymous posting has made this website turn into a mudslinging and name calling mess.
Whoever keeps talking about Portland not wanting a union is full of it. You are using divide and conquer.
Every tech wants to feed, cloth, and educate his family.
FACTS: (and important reminders)
A: the company can treat us better (work load, hourly wage), but chooses not to.
B: the union doesn't promise anything. if we want union representation we vote to allow them to represent us. at this time our current work situation/benefits freeze where they are NOTHING IS TAKEN OR GIVEN.
C: a contract is written between us "the techs" and TWC. This contract is legal and binding and will be voted on by the technicians before it is enacted.
D: California and Texas have unions. I do not know who represents them, but you can view both jobs listed on TWC's website. Yes I would love to see their contracts.
E: We are spending alot of time and energy fighting one another. As usual it appears to only be a couple "loud mouthed" individuals pretending to speak for the group. But as I've said before, just because you can shout the loudest it doesn't make you right.
F: We SHOULDN'T be calling people out, naming names or being disparaging to each other, as this only lowers morale and creates a divide between us.
G. As I've said before, things can change for the better. Unions are not on the "way out". It is JOBS that are "on the way out". Most jobs that were represented by unions "shoe making, paper mills, and other industrial manufacturing jobs" have moved overseas. That IS NOT BECAUSE OF THE UNION. It is because of corporate greed. Before Union's there were no rules regarding wages, safety, worker treatment, ect.
H. I know everyone on the internet is really smart and also really tough but please take a step back. Honestly, either way, this decision is not life and death.
I. Our decision is pretty much
a. status quo (nothing changes)
b. vote yes (make change happen)
J. SHOW THE LOVE TO YOUR FELLOW LINEMAN! We work a hazardous and often thankless job. We are "brothers" union or not.
K. Please understand the whole process before you start screaming nonsense on the internet.
L. All a union does is represent you and your interests.
Think of it this way:
If you had to go to court today do you NEED a lawyer?
NO
You can legally represent yourself.
SHOULD you get a lawyer?
Probably. A lawyer studies law and is much better equipped to get the results you desire.
Sure you can "pretend" to negotiate with the company, but a union will actually NEGOTIATE for you. It is what they do.
Do you pay a lawyer for his services? ABSOLUTELY.
Do you pay a union for their services? YES (%1 of your pay)
Anyway, I have other websites where I like to debate other stuff. Stop beating the dead horse here. Stop shouting at your fellow worker because his opinion is different from yours. Don't pretend to speak for anyone other than yourself. But by all means say what you want to say about this process. Say it intelligently. Say it succinctly. Say it with a vote.
YES for change.
NO for just another day.
The choice is OURS.
After that horse shit i think I'll Puke Show me in writing and show me the money Don't you get it no one in their right mind would give a blank check to a third party and go say negociate for me.
Read the 3 existing contracts you will then see for your self that you don't have it so bad! in fact you have it pritty darn good. When you read them over you will see that none protects you from anything.
Anonymous- I've seen 3 contracts, two negtiated by IBEW and one by CWA.I guess they will be available to all techs who have the courage to actually read them. Any responsible adult would get all the the facts (not maybes)before they sell their families' future down the sewer. The fact is, no union has negotiated a contract with Time Warner that increases technician pay 4-5 dollars an hour-EVER. The best increase of the actual signed contracts is 50 cents an hour and a 3.5% raise in the first year of a 25 year contract.In the next 24 years you get an annual BUMP of 2%.Man that is some bargaining power!! And if you have the courage to read the rest of that ACTUAL NEGOTIATED CONTRACT you will see what you will lose and what work rules this awesome power - the IBEW negotiated. Work schedules that can include Monday to Sunday anywhere from 7am to 10pm. The other IBEW contract shows increases for a "solid rating" of 2.5%, "superior rating" 3.25% and "outstanding rating 3.75% for the length of the 3 year contract. The wages range from $9.50 to start at the bottom position to a maximum of $12.00 an hour. The top of the Maintenance tech level starts at $14.00 to a maximum of $20.00. The bottom line here is that the only "facts" in this discussion show the contracts negotiated by the IBEW have never approached the pie in the sky propaganda being put out. And the biggest thing not being discussed is that all your benefits are subject to negotiations. Working night shifts, weekend shifts, overtime basically all work rules will be on the table. Seniority dictates who gets the dirty end of the stick and everyone loses something. I want an IBEW official to tell everyone that they intend to negotiate for a 4-5 dollar increase. They wouldn't dare because they know it would never happen. All this rah rah united we stand crap is a sales pitch to sell union dues to a work force with a promise to bargain for a contract- " we'll tell you what it is later". Take the time to read these actual contracts for youself. The reality is that Time Warner pay and benefits are pretty darn good and if you aren't lazy and take the initiative you can progress to a salary far above any actual union negotiated contract.You don't get something for nothing in life and remember the IBEW is a business also. They'll take you union dues if you are irresponsible enough not to get the facts,compare the facts and act like yours and your families' future is at stake.
I have to say, I am really surprised at some of the comments. Seeing techs say other techs can go to hell is pretty disgusting.
J. SHOW THE LOVE TO YOUR FELLOW LINEMAN! We work a hazardous and often thankless job. We are "brothers" union or not.
A-Freaking-Men!! I don't have to like everything you say, but I support your right to say it.
What I thought about unions is open now. We need to have the facts before we start blasting on each other and insulting each other.
I would rather the company fixes what needs to be fixed. More money would be nice but I would rather have a day where I have a reasonable workload and the rest of the team and myself gets home on time.
We need to stop attacking each other and work together!!
That's what I've been saying forever, Brian, buts its hard for the lil guys here to understand when all they do is speak and listen very little.
I want alot more to change than money. Workload is the number one concern of mine, and has been since this discussion started.
More pay is always nice, but I'd rather not be forced to work 10hrs in an 8hr day, all while trying to meet the ridiculous QC standard.
To the haters. Negativity breeds negativity. The guy you're putting down today might be the guy you need helping you out tomorrow. Maybe you were just mad because I didn't finish the alphabet and you mad because you wanted to see how it ends.
Well After reading a couple of postings above one says that all its going to cost to have the union represent us would be 1%.Do the math yourself say you make 25K in a year 1% would = $250/month Sounds like a new car or a tank full of oil to heat the house with.
Think, Think what it will cost to have all these promises nothing in writing???? Think before you jump
Wow your math is AWFUL!
That would be your yearly contribution. Your $250/year breaks down to $20.83/month.
No wonder you guys are upset. Your math SUCKS!
Everyone keeps talking about all the majic stuff the union will pull out of its hat, Have anyone of you stopped by your supervisiors office to look at the existing contracts? Take a look a real hard look then you will see in Writing the price of a union and see that the didnot get Bucket trucks for all, and that they all still work overtime and shifts 7 days a week, Vacations, New jobs, and to top it off its all done by senority, meaning all of us that were just hired will work get the SH@# end of the stick. Just what I want because there might be a slacker thats been here for 15 years he gets the gravy and I get the dirty work Think about that, and check out the contracts yourself
Just My point How much is the union Dues 1% per month? Get It in Writing. See the cost up front words are free after you sign it will take forever to vote a union out. GET it in writing.Before you jump.
Hand out the cards. I'm tired of bickering about it. The 10% of you that don't want a union can either deal or not. Let's get this DONE!
we have gravy work and shity work? as far as i know a t/c is a t/c a disco is a disco and a install is an install? also that's one of the reasons i want a union to get something in writing for once so we have a fair a equal place to work. i also don't know how many times you guys are going to beat the in writing thing but the only way to have a contract in writing is to acually have a contract to put in writing. everything timewarner puts in writing is thrown out the door with the little words"at will". also what's this about if you work hard you will be compensated for it? that's bullshit if anything what i've seen is they don't care if you do 120 units a day or 60 units a day. all that matters is if you go on a smoke break with your stupidvisor or not this company plays so many favorites it's crazy "work hard a it will pay" i'll put something in writing for you "your full of shit"
give me one too yes for me
There is no third party negotiating a contract for TW workers in Me. should you choose to form a union. You the workers select a bargining team from the the techs you work with an assit from Pete Mclaughlin and Jenn Nappi(who some of you have already met)who recently negotiated a sucessful for Fairpoint in Me. an important fact that you must keep in mind is that if you don't like the contract your team brings back you simply vote no. Thats the union way every voice counts.
Yea you are right, I can't wait for a potential 3 years to negociate a contract, That may or MAY NOT have working conditions better than I have now, Promise me what ever you like but I really don't have it all that bad now, In fact I kind of like my work place and the guys I work with. And I dont think I'll get something for nothing so I Signed up for career path so that I can get a better Raise that I will have done on my own, not with the help of someone else spelling out a 2% or whatever raise. VOTE NO Get over it.
Everyone has a voice Vote NO!
Vote YES
the the first thing i would try to change with a contract is that dumbass company saving career path. that's bullshit study for a raise for the job your already doing? and with a union if enough people didn't like it we could vote and try to change it to something that fit's our lifesytles better (classroom training for a raise?) do what you feel is right by now we all have our minds made up
I too am disappointed with the career path. Where else are you financially responsible ($600) for SIX MONTHS after the test. If I quit after passing the test and it hasn't been six months the company can withhold $600 from my paycheck?!! Where else are you FORCED to pay for your own training? It's a JOKE.
oh the great pension plan...
Go to 401k.com and log-in the same way you check your 401k. My proposed pension for the year 2038 is $638/mo.
LOL That is about 7K a year. You have any idea what that is worth 30yrs from now? NEXT TO NOTHING.
Like the anti's on here like to say. Check the numbers and do your own math. Time to vote and make ourselves heard.
YES IBEW TWC MAINE!!!
i just wish i could afford to dump into my 401k but i can't so thats my vote for yes, and if this don't work than i will honestly be forced "forced" is the obritive word in that sentence to look for another job winter is going to suck!!!!!!!!
yeh winter is going to suck but it shouldn't when you do this kind of work that is making money and not giving it to us.
"Go to 401k.com and log-in the same way you check your 401k. My proposed pension for the year 2038 is $638/mo.
LOL That is about 7K a year. You have any idea what that is worth 30yrs from now? NEXT TO NOTHING."
Your an idiot, the pension goes off you highest paid 5years. Between now and 2038 if 638 a month will be nothing then please, indulge me as to how you won't also make more 5 of those years then you do now?
Yes, us anti's do like our numbers, ironically ours add up, and your DO NOT!
"I too am disappointed with the career path. Where else are you financially responsible ($600) for SIX MONTHS after the test. If I quit after passing the test and it hasn't been six months the company can withhold $600 from my paycheck?!! Where else are you FORCED to pay for your own training? It's a JOKE."
Ok, so don't take the career path, thats your option and nobody said you have to utilize it. Hell, odds are you'll get 2-4% raises every year and thats what the Union is going to guarantee you ... so why pay dues?
"i just wish i could afford to dump into my 401k but i can't so thats my vote for yes, and if this don't work than i will honestly be forced "forced" is the obritive word in that sentence to look for another job winter is going to suck!!!!!!!!"
Yea, I still am having a hard time believing that only Time Warner Employees have to pay so much for heating oil. Those basterds in the Ivory Tower really worked to screw us on this deal, son's of bitches! UNION YES! THEY CAN LOWER OIL PRICES! AND WALK ON WATER!
"To the haters. Negativity breeds negativity. The guy you're putting down today might be the guy you need helping you out tomorrow. Maybe you were just mad because I didn't finish the alphabet and you mad because you wanted to see how it ends."
So if I voice a negative opinion about the union you won't come help me? Is that what I am to understand?
I have my own alphabet thanks, you can keep your help and your letters.
I am angry because people are trying to pressure me to turn my vote, I'm angry because I've been lied to. I am angry because 90% of the people on this bored are ignorant to the facts and the other 10% choose to say or do nothing to stop this garbage.
Good game people, you've not only managed to put any thought of a raise from Time Warner on hold, but you've also managed to turn half of our department against the other 1/2, ironically a Union is about unity, the one thing most of the Union Groupies have destroyed!
Anonymity breeds animosity. And your going to lose a lot of support as a result of that.
If you dont like whats on here. Please leave.
The only promise is we will have to pay dues. And I don't think you can get rid of a contract you don't like. If it gets voted in we're stuck. The Fairpoint contract was so great because Fairpoint was desperate to close the sale, they would have agreed to anything to prevent any bumps in the road. They are sinking in debt and they don't care. TWC is not in that position.
"If you dont like whats on here. Please leave."
I did leave, I did stop posting and I was drug back in kicking and screaming by persistent harassment. Now you ask me to leave because you don't like what I have to say? Too bad, your stuck with this. You created this and your going to deal with it. You want me to go away, discredit what I have to say. If you can do that fairly and justly with logic and reason and no arrogance and lies, well then I'll stop posting AND I will vote yes, I am confident that will never happen though.
Fiarpoint didnt get the huge raises because of the union. The compnay brought that in before. About the guy leaving, everyone just needs to stick together and be a team weather or not your for this union. If you dont want it, vote no, if you do vote yes. Everyone on here crying about something.
You mention several times about the great wages CMP/Fairpoint/Verizon make. Do you realize how many CMP/verizon workers have been laid off or had to take early retirement just so the company can pay the high wages they get? Remember, nothing comes without some strings attached. Verizon USED to be very large in this state. They are reduced more than 50% form 10 years ago...
For anyone who wishes to see 3 signed contracts that TWC has with unions, they are available....also, Akron Ohio just voted to de-certify....57 to 23. That is larger than a 20 person union. The union has their own smoke and mirrors. Don't be fooled.
just like the union dues that will eat away at you notice the don't say how much it will cost you each and every month, just to repsesent you!!
Boy early retirement must really suck. At CMp early retirement ment free health insurance for life. At verizon it was the same with aprox $3000 a month in wages. Humm that sucks really bad.
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